September 2023
WCEC's Annual Meeting
Employees, staff and directors of WCEC look forward to connecting with you, our members, at the co-op’s annual meeting. Join us on October 6, 2023, at Governor Jim Hogg Park in Quitman.

Before the meeting we invite you to a musical experience featuring Low D (LaDarius Daniels) and his Jam Band beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Low D is no stranger to the world of music and his expertise traverses an array of genres including Jazz, Soul, Funk, Rhythm and Blues, Reggae, and Rock. He has two original solo singles, "Ocean Breeze" and "Broken," featured on his album "Bedroom Sax." He and his band have also released a captivating cover of Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine.”

Low D grew up in Ore City, Texas, where his passion for the saxophone took root during his middle school days in the band hall. Since then, he has consistently nurtured his musical talents, crafting melodies and tunes. The moniker "Low D" was bestowed upon him by his initial bandmates, who recognized his inclination for playing in his preferred key, which happened to be low D. This label harmonizes with his musical style and seamlessly aligns with the initials of his first and last names, thus becoming his enduring identity.
Photo courtesy of Low D.
Whether performing as a solo artist or leading his band, Low D's performances resonate throughout Northeast Texas, gracing diverse occasions and venues. Anticipate an electrifying show from the ensemble, comprising keyboard, bass, guitar, drums, and Low D's distinctive Saxophone. Their performance will include beloved classics, including covers of renowned artists like Miles Davis, Sam Cook, John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder, and the Temptations. Furthermore, Low D's original compositions will grace the stage, offering a delightful variety for all musical tastes.

Following the concert, the business meeting will begin at 2:00 p.m., an exciting raffle awaits members, featuring generous contributions from our valued vendors. The grand prize is a $500 VISA card, and there will be 10 opportunities to win $100 in electricity credits.
We hope to see you there!
8 Questions to Consider Before Installing Rooftop Solar
“Free energy from the sun and lower electric bills… Where do I sign up?”
The benefits of installing rooftop solar panels may seem like a no-brainer, but the reality is, not every home (and homeowner’s situation) is right for solar.

There are several factors to consider before pulling the trigger on a rooftop solar system, like determining if your home will receive enough sun to achieve your goals, finding the right contractor, negotiating contracts and other important details.

Investing in solar for your home is a major decision. If you’re considering rooftop solar, WCEC can help. Here are eight questions to think about before installing rooftop solar panels.

  1. What are my goals? If your primary goal is to save money on electric bills, first, make sure that your home or business is as energy efficient as possible. That’s because the best way to save money on electricity is to avoid buying it in the first place.
  2. Is my roof suitable for solar? Your roof should be in good condition before installing solar panels. If your roof is old and in poor shape, it may need to be replaced before panels can be mounted. Additionally, your roof should receive a lot of sun to make the most of a rooftop system. Consider how much sun (and shade) the roof receives and if any trees will need to be removed. Solar panels perform best when facing south, so keep this in mind as you think about where the panels will be mounted. 
  3. How long will I own the home? If you’re considering rooftop solar, you’re likely planning to stay in the home for several years. But if you plan to sell the home at some point down the road, consider that not all potential buyers will want to maintain a rooftop solar system. If you enter a contract to lease the system, carefully review the terms and what those mean if you decide to sell the property as most solar contracts will require you to pay them off when the property is sold. So, make sure you add that into the sale price if that’s the case.
  4. Lease or purchase? Purchasing a rooftop solar system outright is expensive, consider whether you intend to borrow the money to buy panels or will lease the panels. If you have outstanding debt, like a mortgage, it may be better financially, to get the mortgage paid off first. If you intend to purchase the system, federal tax credits can help reduce your cost by helping you save on taxes. Regardless of how you decide to finance the solar system, make sure you get several quotes from qualified contractors.
  5. Can the contractor provide up-to-date documentation? It may seem obvious, but be sure to request proof and documentation of the contractor’s licensing, permitting and other credentials. Comb through company reviews, check the contractor’s status with Better Business Bureau, etc.––do your homework on the front end before signing a contract.
  6. Does the contract seem reasonable and fair? If you decide to hire a contractor to install rooftop solar, carefully read the fine print of the contract. Do the system performance calculations seem realistic? Does the project time-frame sound reasonable? Negotiate the contract terms to fit your goals and needs.
  7. Who will maintain the solar panels? Determining who is responsible for maintaining the solar panels will depend on who owns the system. If you lease the system from a solar installer, it may be their responsibility. Periodically, solar panels need to be cleaned as dirt and debris can impact panel productivity. Parts may also need to be replaced, so it’s important to know who will take on these responsibilities.
  8. How will I work with WCEC? Finally, but equally important, you should contact our Solar Manager to take a look at your quotes, listen to your objectives, and give you individualized advice to help you best achieve those. Over the years we’ve seen some dissatisfied members who are now contractually obligated to pay for systems that don’t produce or work as promised. Because of this, we’ve learned some of the red flags to look for. We’ve also seen many members that are extremely happy with their systems. At WCEC, our only interest is helping to make sure that each member is satisfied with their decision to install solar.

For many homeowners, solar panels are a great way to help the environment and save on electric bills––but there are many factors to consider before diving in and installing a system.
As with any major home project, do plenty of research upfront, and contact WCEC with any questions before you decide to move forward with installation. We’re your local energy partner and can serve as a helpful resource throughout the process.
Hooves & Halos, a past recipient of an Operation Round Up grant, provides free equine and recreational programs to special needs individuals along with their families and caregivers. At their playdays, guests ride horses, enjoy a petting zoo, face painting, live music, games and a number of other activities.

To read about Hooves & Halos and opportunities to volunteer, or donate, visit their website:hoovesandhalos.org Their next playday is Nov. 3rd. To learn more about Operation Round Up click here.
Safety Tip of the Month
Teach Kids About School Electrical Safety
As a new school year begins, it's essential to educate your children about electrical safety to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are some bases to cover.

  • Stay away from power lines and transformers at school, along the way and anywhere else.

  • Don’t stick pens, pencils or other objects into electrical outlets. An average of seven children a day are treated in hospitals for burns or electric shocks because they tampered with wall outlets.

  • Warn teens who drive that they should move over and slow down when they see utility crews working on the road.

  • If an electrical power line is on the street, assume it’s live and stay well away from it.

  • Don’t plug too many devices into an electrical outlet or a power strip. Older college dorms carry increased risk as the wiring often isn’t equipped for an overload.

  • Fly kites and drones far away from power lines. Electricity always finds the quickest way to the ground, which could be down a kite string if it touches an energized power line. If a flying toy hits a power line, it could cause a power outage or worse, a downed power line, which is extremely hazardous.

  • Stay away from electrical substations. If a ball or toy ends up over the fence surrounding a substation, please call WCEC for help. Substations should only be entered by trained professionals with the proper safety equipment.

  • Never play on transformers. Underground padmount transformers should be clearly marked with a safety warning. Teach kids not to climb on or play around these boxes.

  • Don’t climb trees near power lines. If branches touch the wires, the tree could be energized. Even branches that are close, but not touching a power line, could become dangerous in windy conditions or if the weight of a child is added.

  • Electricity and water don’t mix. Keep all electrical equipment away from water.

  • Never yank an electric cord from the wall. Pulling the cord could damage the appliance, plug or outlet. Remove the appliance safely by pulling on the plug.

By instilling these electrical safety practices, you can empower your children to make wise decisions and protect themselves from potential hazards.
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
Did you know fall is the perfect time to schedule a tune-up for your heating system? Home heating accounts for a large portion of winter energy bills, and no matter what kind of system you have, you can save energy and money by regularly maintaining your equipment.
 
Combining proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with recommended insulation, air sealing and thermostat settings can save about 30% on your energy bills.